CHARLTON – Joan (Gatie) Helgeland, 88, died on Friday, September 27, 2024, in the Overlook Health Center at Charlton. Joan is survived by her daughters Ellen (James) R. Jewart (Worcester, MA), Alexa R. (Bill) Brown (Lubbock, TX), and Kirsten J. (Rev. Roger Cramer) Helgeland (Amesbury, MA). She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Joan (Ben) Powers (Dracut, MA), Rachel (John) Burlock (Barrington, NH), Brandon (Anna) Van Corbach (Marysville, WA), Anna (Andrew Young) Vogelzang (Evanston, IL), Diana (Dan) Ciminello (Holden, MA), and Edward (Rachel) Van Corbach (Hudson, MA). Joan especially loved her nine great-grandchildren; Jack, Ethan, Molly Rose, Fiona, Axzel, Freyja, Jasper, Ramona, and Luna. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years Walter Helgeland.
Joan was born in New Bedford, MA, daughter of the late Joseph Bromley Gatie and Bessie Decarteret Gatie. She earned her RN at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and worked as a Registered Nurse in a children’s hospital until she stayed home to raise her own children. Encouraged by Walter, she went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and worked the remainder of her career as a medical bookkeeper.
Joan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester at the time of her death, where she often served as a lector. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and knitting. During her residence at the Overlook, she made countless lap quilts, baby hats, and blankets for donation to local hospitals.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church 73 Lancaster St. Worcester, MA 01609. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to or Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Road Charlton, MA 01507. To leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.